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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This guide was prepared by Public Safety Canada in
collaboration with Emergency Management Ontario. It is
based on the Government of Ontario's publication,
Emergency Preparedness Guide for People Wit1� Disabilities/
Special Needs - a cooperative effort between twenty public
and private organizations who were consulted for their
subject matter expertise and special insights. For a copy of
the Ontario guide, please visit www.ontario.ca/emo
(www.ontario.ca/gdu en fran�ais) or call 1-888-795-7635.
�r��
r" Ontario
Our partners
This publication was developed in collaboration with
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada,
Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Red Cross,
the St. John Ambulance, The Salvation Army and the
Province of Ontario.
This publication is available online at www.GetPrepared.ca.
This publication is also available in multiple formats:
audio (wav, CD and cassette), Sraille, large print and e-text
diskette. To order, please call:
1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232)
TTY: 1-800-926-9105
O Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2010
Cat. No.: PS4-26/ 1-3-2010E
ISBN: 978-0-662-47999-4
Printed in Canada
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Introduction..................................................................................... 4
Personal support network ........................................................... 6
Emergency kit checklist ............................................................... 7
Service animal emergency kit checklist ................................. 9
People with a disability/special needs - tips .................... � �
Assisting people with a disability/
special needs - tips .................................................................... 11
. MOBILITY .......................................................................... �2
. NON-VISIBLE DISABILITIES ..................................... 14
� HEARING ............................................................................ � �
/ visioN ................................................................................19
. SENIORS WITH A DISABILITY/
SPECIAL NEEDS ............................................................. Z�
. HIGH RISE SAFETY ........................................................ Z4
Checklist and personal assessment ..................................... 26
Resources..................................................................................... 3 0
3
I NTRODUCTION
Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility. All
Canadians are encouraged to be prepared to cope for at
least the first 72 hours of an emergency, while emergency
workers focus on those in urgent need.
This guide provides information on preparing an emergency
plan and kit for people with disabilities / special needs
and for caregivers.
While disasters and emergencies affect everyone, their
impact on people with disabilities / special needs is often
compounded by factors such as reliance on electrical
power, elevators, accessible transportation and accessible
communication - all of which can be compromised in
emergency situations.
By taking a few simple steps today, you can become
better prepared to face a range of emergencies. These
basic steps should help you to take care of yourself and
your loved ones during an emergency.
Emergency preparedness involves three basic steps:
1) Knowing the risks
2) Making a plan
3) Getting an emergency kit
For more information on emergency management
arrangements for people with disabilities / special needs
in your area, contact your municipal Emergency
Management Coordinator through your local government,
and visit www.GetPrepared.ca for more information
on the risks in your region.
4
Aboutthisguide
• Disabilities / special needs are identified as separate
categories according to a specific colour shown
on each section.
• Each section provides a list of suggested emergency
kit items and planning tips for individuals and caregivers
according to specific disabilities / special needs.
• Complete the checklist and personal assessment sheet
at the end of this guide. Remove it from the guide and
keep it accessible (on the fridge, bulletin board, etc.).
• Refer to the last pages of the guide for additional
contact information.
• Users of this guide are to note that this is neither first aid
training nor medical advice. Contact your local Canadian
Red Cross or St. john Ambulance office to find out more
about first aid courses in your area. Specific medical
advice should be obtained from the appropriate medical
professional.
5
PERSONAL SUPPORT NETWORK
A personal support network is a group of at least three
people you know and trust and who would help you during
an emergency.
How do you create a support network?
• Ask people you trust if they are willing to help you in
case of an emergency. Identify contacts for important
locations such as home, work or school. Neighbours are
often the closest and most available contacts in an
emergency.
• Tell these support people where your emergency kit is
stored. Give one member a key to your home.
• Include a support network contact who is far enough
away that they are unlikely to be affected by the same
emergency.
• Work with your support network to develop a plan
that meets your needs.
• Practice your emergency plan with your network.
If applicable, show them how your special needs
equipment works.
6
EMERGENCY KIT CHECKLIST
In an emergency you will need some basic supplies. Be
prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. These
items may not apply to every situation or every person;
refer to the appropriate section in this guide for additional
recommended items and select them according to your own
needs. Check your kit twice a year to ensure contents are
up to date. Re-stock as needed.
Basicemergency kit checklist
0 Water - at least two litres of water per person per day.
Include small bottles that can be carried easily in
case of an evacuation order
0 Food that won't spoil, such as canned food, energy bars
and dried foods (replace food and water once a year)
0 Manual can-opener
0 Wind-up or battery-powered flashlight (and extra
batteries)
0 Wind-up or battery-powered radio (and extra batteries)
0 First aid kit
0 Special items such as prescription medications,
MedicAlertO bracelet or identification
0 Extra keys to your car and house
0 Cash in smaller bills, such as $10 bills and change
for payphones
0 Special items according to your needs (i.e., prescription
medication, infant formula, special equipment, pet food
and water, etc)
0 A copy of your emergency plan and contact information
0 Other:
7
Recommended additional items checklist
0 Two additional litres of water per person per day for
cooking and cleaning
0 Candles and matches or lighter (place candles in sturdy
containers and do not burn unattended)
0 Change of clothing and footwear for each household
member
�❑
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each household
member
Toiletries, hand sanitizer, utensils
Garbage bags for personal sanitation
Toilet paper
Minimum of a week's supply of prescription medications
Household chlorine bleach or water purifying tablets
Basic tools (hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers,
work gloves, dust mask, pocket knife)
0 Small fuel-operated stove and fuel (follow manufacturer's
directions and store fuel properly)
�
�
A whistle (in case you need to call for help)
Duct tape (i.e., to tape up windows, doors,
air vents)
� Detailed list of all special needs items, in the event
that they need to be replaced
TiP:
Have a phone at home that does
not require electrical power to
work (i.e., a corded phone or a TTY).
s
SERVICE AN IMAL EMERGENCY
KIT CHECKLIST
This checklist identifies the basic items you should
prepare to keep your service animal comfortable during
an emergency. Make sure the kit is easy to carry in case of
a home evacuation.
Minimum 72-hour supply of bottled water and pet food
Portable water and food bowls
Paper towels and manual can opener
Medications with a list identifying medical condition,
dosage, frequency and contact information of
prescribing veterinarian
Medical records including vaccinations
Leash and collar
Blanket and toy
Plastic bags
Bandages (a dog's paws could get cut on rough
terrain)
0 Up-to-date ID tag with your phone number and
the name/phone number of your veterinarian
(a microchip is also recommended)
0 Recent photo of your service animal in case they
get separated from you
�❑
�
�
Name of the animal's training centre and qualifying
number (for identification purposes)
Copy of licence (if required)
Other:
9
PEOPLE WITH A DISABI LITY/
SPECIAL NEEDS-TIPS
• Make sure all your emergency kit items are organized
in one place, easy to find and to carry.
• Tag all of your special needs equipment including
instructions on how to use and/or move each assistive
device during an emergency.
• Complete a checklist and personal assessment sheet
and provide a copy to your designated network(s).
Keep a copy in your emergency kit(s).
• If you have food / drug allergies, wear a MedicAlertO
bracelet.
• List all food/drug allergies and current medications (for
each medication, specify the medical condition being
treated, the generic name, dosage, frequency, and the
name and contact information of the prescribing
physician). Provide this list to your designated network
and keep a copy in your emergency kit(s).
• If you rely on any life sustaining equipment or if you
require regular attendant care, ask your network to check
on you immediately if an emergency occurs and have an
emergency backup plan in the event of a power outage.
• During an emergency, if your support network is unable
to help, ask others for help and inform them of your special
needs and how they can assist you.
• Carry a personal alarm that emits a loud noise to draw
attention.
• Be aware that experiencing an emergency can be
overwhelming and stress can worsen some medical
conditions.
10
ASSISTI NG PEOPLE WITH A
DISABILITY/SPECIAL NEEDS - TIPS
• Ask if the person wants your help, and how you may
best assist them.
• If someone refuses your help, wait for first responders
to arrive, unless it is a matter of life or death.
• Do not touch the person, their service animal or
equipment without their permission, unless it is a matter
of life or death.
• Follow instructions posted on special needs equipment.
• You may be asked to use latex-free gloves to reduce the
spread of viral infection or to prevent an allergic reaction
to latex.
• Ask the person if areas of their body have reduced
sensation and if they want you to check those areas
for injuries.
• Do not try to move someone unless you are trained in
proper techniques.
• If a person is unconscious or unresponsive do not
administer any liquids or food.
• If the person has a service animal, it is the animal owner's
responsibility to assess whether or not it is safe for
the animal to work through the emergency situation.
• To make this decision, the service animal owner will
need information as to the nature of the hazards they
are expected to face and any changes to the physical
environment.
• If providing sighted assistance, the first responder or
caregiver should confirm that the service animal is then
NOT working, and is therefore off duty.
11
MOBILITY
Mobility limitations may make it difficult for a person to
use stairs or to move quickly over long distances. Limitations
may include reliance on mobility equipment such as a
wheelchair, walker, crutches or a walking cane. People with
a heart condition or respiratory difficulties may also have
limited mobility.
Youremergencyplan
If you use a wheelchair or scooter, request that an
emergency evacuation chair be stored near a stairwell
on the same floor where you work or live, so that
your network can readily access it to help you evacuate.
The person with the disability should be involved in
the selection of the evacuation chair.
People who require the use of an evacuation chair should
designate a primary and backup contact to assist them in
the event of an evacuation. Create an evacuation plan in
collaboration with the building manager and contact
persons, and practice using the chair with them.
In your personal assessment checklist, identify areas
of your body that have reduced sensation so that these
areas can be checked for injuries after an emergency,
if you cannot do so yourself.
Check with your local municipal office to find out if
emergency shelters in your area are wheelchair accessible.
Recommended additional items checklist
0 Tire patch kit
0 Can of seal-in-air product (to repair flat tires on your
wheelchair or scooter)
0 Supply of inner tubes
0 Pair of heavy gloves (to protect your hands while
wheeling over glass or other sharp debris)
0 Latex-free gloves (for anyone providing personal
care to you)
0 Spare deep-cycle battery for a motorized wheelchair
or scooter
0 A lightweight, manual wheelchair as a backup
to a motorized wheelchair (if feasible)
�
�
�
Spare catheters (if applicable)
Your power outage backup plan
Other:
Assisting a person with a mobilitydisability—
what to do
• If possible, use latex-free gloves when providing
personal care.
• Try to ensure that the person's wheelchair is
transported with the person.
• If this is not possible, employ other evacuation
techniques as appropriate, such as use of the evacuation
chair, shelter-in-place (if instructed to do so), or lifts and
carries by trained personnel.
• Do not push or pull a person's wheelchair without
their permission, unless it is a matter of life or death.
NON-VISI BLE DISABI LITI ES
Individuals with non-visible disabilities may have difficulty
performing some tasks even though their condition
is not apparent. Non-visible disabilities can include
communication, cognitive, sensory, mental health,
learning or intellectual disabilities which may impair
an individual's response to an emergency. Conditions
can include allergies, epilepsy, diabetes, pulmonary
or heart disease, and/or dependency on dialysis,
different supplies, etc.
Your emergency plan
• Keep an emergency contact list on your person.
This list should note key people that are aware of your
special needs.
• Inform your designated support network of where
you store your medication.
• Consider wearing a MedicAlertO bracelet or identification
to help notify emergency responders about your
special needs.
• Request that a panic push-button be installed in your
work and living areas so that in an emergency you
can notify others of your location and that you need
special assistance.
Recommended additional items checklist
0 Supply of food items appropriate to your dietary
restrictions
0 List of instructions that you can easily follow in
an emergency
0 Personal list and minimum one-week supply of all
needed medications, medical supplies and special
equipment (i.e., ventilator for asthma, nitro lingual
spray for a heart condition, an epinephrine pen
against allergic reactions or anaphylactic shock, etc.)
�
�
�
Detailed list of all prescription medications
MedicAlertO identification
Other:
Example: People with diabetes
0 Extra supply of insulin or oral agent
� Extra supply of syringes, needles and insulin pens
(if used)
0 Small container for storing used syringes and/or
needles (if applicable)
� Blood glucose testing kit, spare batteries and
record book
� Supply of blood glucose and urine ketone testing strips
� Fast acting insulin for high blood glucose (if applicable)
0 Fast acting sugar for low blood glucose
� Extra food to cover delayed meals
� Ice packs and thermal bag to store insulin (if applicable)
Assisting a person with a non-visible disability —
what to do
• Allow the person to describe the help they need.
• Find effective ways to communicate, such as drawn or
written instructions, using landmarks instead of
general terms like "go left" or "turn right".
• Maintain eye contact when speaking to the person.
• Repeat instructions (if needed) .
• If a person needs to take medication, ask if he/she
needs help taking it. (Never offer medicine not prescribed
by a physician.)
H EARI NG
The way that emergency warnings are issued in an emergency
is critical to the understanding of instructions and the
subsequent response and safety of those with hearing loss.
Youremergencyplan
• Communicate your hearing loss by moving your lips
without making a sound, pointing to your ear, using
a gesture, or if applicable, pointing to your hearing aid.
• Keep a pencil and paper handy for written communication.
• Obtain a pager that is connected to an emergency paging
system at your workplace and/or your residence.
• Install a smoke detection system that includes flashing
strobe lights or vibrators to get your attention if the
alarms sound.
• Test smoke alarms monthly by pushing the test button.
• Replace batteries every six months or whenever there
is a low battery signal.
Recommended additional items checklist
� Writing pads and pencils for communication
0 Flashlight, whistle or personal alarm
0 Pre-printed phrases you would use during an emergency,
such as "I use American Sign Language" or "If you make
announcements, I will need to have them written simply
or signed".
0 Assistive equipment according to your needs
(i.e., hearing aid, personal amplifier, etc.)
� Portable visual notification devices to know if someone
is knocking on the door, ringing the doorbell, or
calling on the telephone
0 Extra batteries for assistive devices
0 A CommuniCardTM (produced by The Canadian Hearing
Society) that explains your hearing loss and identifies
how first responders can communicate with you during
an emergency
0 Other:
Assisting a person with a hearing impairment —
what to do
• Get the person's attention via a visual cue or a gentle
touch on their arm. Do not approach the person
from behind.
• Face the person, make eye contact when speaking to
them as they may rely on lip reading and communicate
in close proximity.
• Speak clearly and naturally. Do not shout or speak
unnaturally slowly.
• Try to rephrase, rather than repeating yourself.
• Use gestures to help illustrate your meaning.
• If there is time, it may be helpful to write a message.
• Hearing aids amplify sounds and can create a physical
shock to the user, so do not make loud noises.
• Note that some people may be deaf-blind.
VISION
A person who is blind or has reduced vision may have
difficulty reading signs or moving through unfamiliar
environments during an emergency. They may feel lost
and/or dependent on others for guidance.
��OUY F��ergenc�►'"! �Il
Have a longer white cane available to readily manoeuvre
around obstacles (there may be debris on the floor or
furniture may have shifted) .
• Identify all emergency supplies in advance with fluorescent
tape, large print or Braille text, such as gas, water and
electric shutoff valves.
Familiarize yourself in advance with all escape routes
and locations of emergency doors/exits on each floor
of any building where you work, live and visit.
Recommended additional items checklist
� Extra white cane, preferably longer in length
0 Talking or Sraille clock
� Large print timepiece with extra batteries
0 Extra vision aids such as an electronic travel aid,
monocular, binocular or magnifier
� Extra pair of prescription glasses (if applicable)
� Any reading devices / assistive technology to access
information or portable CCTV devices
0 Other:
Assisting a person with a vision disability —
��rhatto do
• For people who are deaf-blind, draw an "X" on their back
with your finger to let them know you can help them.
• To communicate with someone who is deaf-blind, trace
letters in their hand with your finger.
• To guide a person, keep half a step ahead, offer them
your arm and walk at their pace.
• Do not shout at a person who is blind or has reduced
vision. Speak clearly and provide specific directions.
• Provide advance warning of upcoming stairs, major
obstacles or changes in direction.
• Watch for obstacles that the person could walk into.
• Never grab a person with vision loss, unless it is a matter
of life or death.
• Do not assume that the person cannot see you.
• Avoid the term "over there"; describe positions such as,
"to your right / left / straight ahead / behind you",
or by using the clock face positions (i.e., the exit is
at 12 o'clock).
• If the person has a service animal on duty, ask them
where you should walk to avoid distracting the animal.
Do not separate the service animal from its owner.
SENIORS WITH A DISABILITY/
SPECIAL NEEDS
Seniors, especially those with special needs, should be
informed of what to do in an emergency. Contact your
municipality to find out about programs and services in
your area that will help you during an emergency and assist
you in returning to your daily routine.
Your emergency plan
• Create an emergency contact list identifying your personal
support network, including physicians, case worker, a
contact from a seniors group, neighbours and your building
superintendent.
• Keep a copy of this list in your emergency kit and on
your person.
• Familiarize yourself with all escape routes, emergency
equipment and the location of emergency doors / exits
in your home.
• If you have a pet, bring it with you in an evacuation
and have an emergency plan for your pet. Determine
in advance who can take care of your animal during
an emergency.
• Request that a panic push-button be installed in your
work and/or living area so that in the event of an
emergency you can notify others of your location and
that you need special assistance.
Recommended additional items checklist
0 Non-perishable food appropriate to your dietary
restrictions
�❑
�
�
�
Assistive devices needed such as canes, walkers,
lightweight manual wheelchair, hearing aids,
breathing apparatus, blood glucose monitoring
device
Extra prescription eyewear and footwear (if required)
Extra supply of inedications and vitamin supplements
A list of all your needed medical supplies and special
equipment
0 Copies of all medication prescriptions
0 Extra dentures (if required) and cleaner
0 Latex-free gloves (for anyone providing personal
care to you)
0 Other:
Assisting a senior with a disability/special needs —
what to do
• Check on neighbours to find out if there are seniors
who would need your help during an emergency.
• Always speak calmly and provide assurance that
you are there to help. Avoid shouting or speaking
unnaturally slowly.
• Let the person tell you how you can help.
• Know the location of emergency buttons (many
seniors' buildings have emergency buttons located
in bedrooms and washrooms) .
• Follow instructions posted on special needs equipment
and/or assistive devices.
HIGH RISE SAFETY
Residents of high rise buildings should make
themselves aware of:
Building superintendent's name and phone number
Members of the Building Safety Committee
The contact names and coordinates of floor monitors
Who conducts evacuation drills, and how often
Location of fire extinguishers, automated external
defibrillator units and oxygen tank
0 Location of emergency evacuation device (s)
Your emergency plan
• Advise your building superintendent of your requirements
during an emergency.
• Know your building's evacuation plan and escape routes.
• Know the location of emergency buttons in the building
and exits that are wheelchair accessible (if applicable) .
• If applicable, request that an emergency evacuation chair
be installed close to the stairwell on the floor where you
work or live. If you cannot have an evacuation chair,
have a backup plan for evacuating without one.
• If you will need help during an emergency, obtain large
printed signs from the building manager that you can
place in your window/door, indicating that you need
assistance.
Assisting a person with special needs in a high
rise building — what to do
• Check on neighbours and/or co-workers with special
needs to find out if they need your help.
• Offer to carry the person's emergency kit along with
any special equipment.
• Avoid attempts to lift, support or assist the movement
of someone down stairways unless you are familiar
with safe techniques.
• Do not use elevators in event of fire or smoke, or if the
emergency is likely to lead to a power outage.
CH ECKLIST AN D PERSONAL
ASSESSMENT
During an emergency, this checklist will enable emergency
responders to better assist you.
I am able to:
❑ Hear
❑ See
❑ Walk without help
❑ Walk with help
❑ Prepare my meals
❑ Feed myself
❑ Dress myself
❑ Sit without help
❑ Sit with help
❑ Wash/bath without help
❑ Wash/bath with help
❑ Sanitary needs without help
❑ Sanitary needs with help
I will need specific help with (explain):
26
Important personal information
List your prescription number, name and purpose of each
medication (i.e., #34567/insulin/diabetes)
Prescription #:
Name of inedication: —
Purpose:
Prescription #:
Name of inedication: —
Purpose:
Prescription #:
Name of inedication: —
Purpose:
Prescription #:
Name of inedication: —
Purpose:
Doctor(s):
Phone (s) :
Special equipment I use:
Special sanitary aids: —
27
Allergies:
Other special needs:
Special diet:
Health card #:
Private medical:
Policy #:
Neighbourhood contact:
Out-of-town emergency contact:
School contact:
Household pet care:
Veterinarian phone:
Local emergency management contact (for your area):
28
Personal support network contact list (family members,
attendants, neighbours, etc.)
Name:
Relation:
Address:
Phone (home) :
Phone (business) :
Name:
Relation:
Address:
Phone (home) : —
Phone (business) :
Name:
Relation:
Address:
Phone (home) : —
Phone (business) :
Name:
Relation:
Address:
Phone (home) : —
Phone (business) :
29
RESOURCES
Canadian Paraplegic Association (National Office)
E-mail: info@canparaplegic.org
Website: www.canparaplegic.org
Phone: 613-723-1033
Environment Canada Weather Office
Website: www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca
Check the blue pages in your local phone book under
"weather" for weather report contact numbers.
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
(Office for Disability Issues)
Website: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/disability_issues/mandate/
index.shtml
Phone: 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232)
TTY: 1-800-465-7735
Humane Society of Canada
E-mail: info@humanesociety.com
Website: www.humanesociety.com
Phone: 416-368-0405
Toll-free Phone: 1-800-641-KIND (5463)
MedicAlert° Bracelets or
Identification Canadian MedicAlert° Foundation
Website: www.medicalert.ca
Phone: 416-696-0142
Toll-free Phone: 1-800-668-1507
30
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
E-mail: info@mssociety.ca
Website: www.mssociety.ca
Phone: 1-800-268-7582
Public Health Agency of Canada (Division of Aging and Seniors)
E-mail: seniors@phac-aspc.gc.ca
Website: www.publichealth.gc.ca/seniors
Phone: 613-952-7606
TTY: 1-800-267-1245
Salvation Army
Website: www. SalvationArmy. ca
Phone: 416-425-2111 (National Office)
St. John Ambulance
Website: www.sja.ca
Phone: 613-236-7461 (National Office)
Toll-free Phone: 1-888-840-5646
The Canadian Hearing Society
Website: www.chs.ca
Phone: 416-928-2500
Toll-free Phone: 1-877-347-3427
TTY: 1-877-347-3429
The Canadian Red Cross
Website: www.redcross.ca
Phone: 613-740-1900 (National Office)
31
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IS YOUR FAMILY
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